Niger Abductions: Police Deploy Military Team to Rescue Over 100 Captives in Mariga

Security forces have launched a rescue operation after more than 100 residents were abducted from Maburya community in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

The victims were reportedly taken away on Sunday night when suspected bandits invaded the community through Bangi and opened fire before fleeing with residents into nearby forest areas.

Niger State Police Command confirmed the attack but said the exact number of people abducted remained unclear. Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said some elderly people, pregnant women and nursing mothers were released, while other victims were taken away.

“Police and military tactical teams have been deployed to the location, while rescue efforts are intensified. Further developments will be made available to the public,” Abiodun said.

A resident, however, claimed that about 100 of the abducted residents were released by the attackers on Tuesday morning. The police have not independently confirmed the reported release, leaving the exact number of people still in captivity uncertain.

The Maburya attack is the latest reported mass abduction in Niger State, which has faced repeated attacks in communities around its forested areas. In August, more than 500 people were reportedly abducted from Borgu Local Government Area, with some victims still believed to be in captivity.

A security source said Mariga’s proximity to the expansive Kainji Lake National Park and other forest reserves could provide hiding places for armed groups and make tracking operations more difficult.

Security agencies are now intensifying efforts to locate the remaining captives and disrupt the attackers’ movements. The police said further information would be released as the rescue operation develops.